New York City is set to ban students in public schools through eighth grade from using artificial intelligence tools, according to a source familiar with the policy.

The restriction, expected to be formally announced Wednesday, would apply to students up to about age 13. AI use would be permitted from ninth grade, but only for limited purposes, including learning about the technology itself.

The move follows concerns from teachers and parents about the potential effects of AI on children’s mental health and cognitive development, as well as its environmental impact. AI “companion chatbots” designed to provide psychological support will also be prohibited, according to reports.

Teachers, however, will be allowed to use AI for certain administrative and instructional tasks, such as preparing lessons and drafting messages.

The policy follows an AI framework introduced by the city’s Education Department in March that used a traffic-light system to guide student use of the technology. The framework allowed AI for activities including research, exploration and creative projects, but drew criticism from parents and teachers who considered the rules too permissive.

Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels acknowledged the concerns, saying education officials had “missed the mark” in communicating the earlier framework. He said feedback from parents would be reviewed as the city develops its broader AI policy.

The Education Department is also expected to establish a task force comprising teachers, elected officials, technology experts and union representatives. The group is expected to produce a report in April that will help shape the city’s long-term approach to AI in schools.

The policy could prove influential beyond New York, whose public school system is the largest in the United States, with more than 900,000 students enrolled during the 2024–25 school year. A key challenge for officials will be enforcing restrictions on AI use, particularly when students access the technology outside school.